I’m Steve Lawes
Certified Church Consultant
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Utilizing a process we call “Virtual Church Consulting” we work with you through a series of steps to help pinpoint problems and offer solutions. This all online church consulting method is effective and affordable.
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Internet Impact
Your website is the “digital foyer” for the church. It is the first impression for almost everyone that visits your church.
Community Statistics
Demographic information is helpful in getting an overview of what is happening in your community.
Church Health Survey
A church health survey/assessment is a helpful tool that will give you information on the overall health of your church.
Effective Outreach Ideas
An outreach strategy is a specific set of tactics intended to ultimately attract new people to your church.
Church Consulting & Coaching
We offer a wide range of Church Consulting and Ministry Coaching Services. Our desire is to help pastors and churches thrive so that they are able to fulfill the calling that God has on them for their community.
Church Marketing
Think of church marketing as a tool to help people who are in need of what your church offers to be able to connect with you. We are not trying to sell something people don’t need. We are trying to connect them with the One who changes everything. Click on this link to read more about developing a Church Marketing Strategy.
Church Revitalization
Church Revitalization is the process of leading a dying or declining church back to a healthy place so that it can continue to carry out the calling and purpose that God has for it. Steve Lawes is certified in Church Revitalization with Church Answers.
Ministry and Pastoral Coaching
We offer a wide variety of Coaching Services for pastors and churches. For more information go to Church Encourager.
Disciplship Training
Partnering with the Jesus Moment Bible Institute and Seminary we are able to offer a wide variety of Discipleship Training opportunites for pastors and churches.
Meet Steve Lawes
Steve Lawes is a Certified Church Consultant. He has been the lead Pastor of Keys Vineyard Church in Big Pine Key since 1992. He has a Bachelors Degree in Bible and Theology from Berean University and Masters and PhD Degrees from Atlantic Coast Theological Seminary. He lead the Cuba Missions Team for Vineyard Missions from 1995-2005 and traveled to Cuba more than twenty times helping to plant churches and build up local leaders. He served as the South Florida Area Leader for the Association of Vineyard Churches for ten years. He also founded the Jesus Moment Bible Institute and Seminary in 2014 which has a student enrollment of over 1800. He has written three devotional books, Daily Psalt Intake, Daily Sage Intake and Daily Strength Training which are now out of print but are currently available as free e-books.
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Recent Posts from Church Consultant
Embracing the Kingdom Covenant: A Journey Through Genesis with Isaac
Introduction
In our ongoing series, “Kingdom Covenant,” we delve into the life of Isaac, a pivotal figure in Genesis. This week, we explore the lessons Isaac’s story imparts about faith, trust, and the generational impact of our actions.
Praying for Our Neighbors
Our community is committed to praying for our neighbors, reinforcing the power of daily intercession for those around us. We seek God’s movement in their lives and strive to be loving neighbors ourselves.
The Main Characters of Genesis
Genesis chapters 12 through 50 focus on four key individuals: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. While other characters play significant roles, these four are central to understanding the unfolding biblical narrative.
Isaac: The Relatable Patriarch
Isaac’s life is documented in just three chapters of Genesis (25, 26, 27), yet his experiences are incredibly relatable. He embodies the human condition of sometimes succeeding and sometimes failing in our walk with God.
The Importance of Trusting God
A recurring theme in Isaac’s story is the importance of trusting God, especially in times of difficulty. Isaac demonstrates this when he prays for his wife Rebekah’s fertility, and God answers his prayers, contrasting with Abraham’s earlier attempts to take matters into his own hands.
The Dangers of Repeat Failures
Isaac’s life also warns us of the dangers of repeat failures. His decision to lie about his wife’s identity, mimicking Abraham’s past mistakes, highlights the need to confront and repent from cyclical sins to prevent generational repercussions.
Communication and Encouragement in Faith
The story of Isaac and Rebekah emphasizes the critical role of communication and mutual encouragement in faith. Asking the question, “What would it look like to trust God in this situation?” can guide us toward God-honoring decisions.
Children of Promise
Like Isaac, we are children of promise. Isaac’s willingness to trust God foreshadows Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. As believers, we are called to set aside our own desires and pursue God’s will, trusting Him to fulfill His promises in His timing.
Pursuing God Over Happiness
One obstacle to living a life of faith is the pursuit of happiness as our highest goal. Isaac’s life teaches us that true happiness is found not in our own efforts but in trusting and following God’s direction.
Conclusion: Living Out the Lessons of Isaac’s Life
Isaac’s story challenges us to examine our own lives and the cycles we need to break. This week, let’s apply the lessons from Isaac by:
- Praying for our neighbors and being intentional in our community.
- Reflecting on areas where we need to trust God more deeply.
- Communicating openly with loved ones about our faith and decisions.
- Confronting repeat failures with repentance and seeking God’s guidance.
Ask yourself these questions:
- In what situations do I need to trust God more?
- How can I improve communication about my faith with those around me?
- What repeat failures do I need to confront and seek God’s help to overcome?
Let Isaac’s life inspire you to pursue God’s will, trust in His timing, and find true happiness in His promises.
This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
Understanding the Kingdom Covenant: A Sermon Summary
Embracing the Covenant with Abraham
In our journey through the Bible, we’ve arrived at a pivotal moment in Genesis 12 through 50, where God establishes a covenant with Abraham. This covenant is not just a promise to Abraham but a declaration that through him, all nations will be blessed. The essence of this blessing is the experience of heaven on earth, a foretaste of the Kingdom of God breaking into our reality.
The Power of Prayer and Community
Our church community emphasizes the importance of prayer, especially for our neighbors. We believe in the transformative power of lifting each other up in prayer, seeking renewal, revival, and breakthroughs in our lives and the lives of those around us.
The Main Characters of Genesis
As we delve into this section of Genesis, we focus on four key figures: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Their stories intertwine with themes of covenant, faith, and the unfolding plan of God.
The Challenge of Faith and Trust in God
Abraham’s journey is marked by moments of both faith and failure. His repeated mistakes, such as misrepresenting his wife Sarah to protect himself, highlight our own tendencies to fall back into familiar sins. Yet, Abraham’s story also shows us the importance of growing in trust and obedience to God.
The Miraculous Birth of Isaac
Isaac’s birth is a testament to God’s faithfulness. Despite Abraham and Sarah’s old age, God fulfills His promise, reminding us that He is the God of the impossible.
The Prophetic Reenactment of Sacrifice
Genesis 22 presents one of the most challenging narratives in the Bible: God’s command to Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. This story is not about endorsing child sacrifice but is a prophetic reenactment pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It raises profound questions about the nature of sacrifice and God’s redemptive plan.
The Significance of Mount Moriah
The location of Isaac’s near-sacrifice, Mount Moriah, is deeply significant. It is not only the future site of the temple in Jerusalem but also the place where Jesus would be crucified. The parallels between Isaac and Jesus are striking and intentional, revealing the depth of God’s love and the extent of His provision.
The Heart of Sacrifice
Sacrifice, as we come to understand it through this story, is the death of one thing so that something else can have new life. It is about choosing God’s way over our own and recognizing that Jesus is the ultimate sacrificial Lamb provided by God.
Conclusion: Embracing the Gospel and Living It Out
The sermon concludes with a powerful reminder of the gospel message: Jesus has defeated sin and death, and through Him, we are invited into a life-transforming relationship with God. Our response is to accept this invitation and allow the blessings of God to flow through us to others.
Life Application Challenge
This week, reflect on the areas of your life where you need to grow in trust and obedience to God. Consider the following questions:
- How can I demonstrate faith in God’s promises, even when circumstances are challenging?
- In what ways can I be a blessing to my neighbors and community?
- How can I more fully embrace the sacrifice of Jesus and live out the gospel in my daily life?
Let this challenge inspire you to deepen your relationship with God and to be a conduit of His love and blessings to those around you.
This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
Understanding the Kingdom Covenant: God’s Faithfulness Amidst Human Failure
Introduction
In our latest sermon series, “Kingdom Covenant,” we delve into the profound concept of covenants made between God and humanity. These sacred agreements highlight God’s unwavering faithfulness, even when we fall short. This week, we continue our journey through Genesis, focusing on the covenant with Abraham and the lessons it imparts for our lives today.
The Power of Prayer and Community
Before exploring the depths of God’s covenant with Abraham, we are reminded of the importance of praying for our neighbors. This simple yet powerful act can lead to transformation in our communities and exemplifies our call to love those around us.
The Essence of God’s Covenants
God’s covenants are pivotal throughout the Bible, from Noah to Abraham, Moses, David, and ultimately the New Covenant through Jesus. These agreements involve commitments from both God and people, with God always upholding His end despite our frequent shortcomings.
The Story of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph
Genesis chapters 12 through 50 revolve around the narratives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. These stories are not only about these patriarchs but also about God’s faithfulness and the unfolding of His plan for humanity.
The Royal Priesthood and Our Identity
Last week, we touched on the concept of the royal priesthood, emphasizing our identity and role in God’s kingdom. This week, we explore another aspect of our spiritual heritage and the implications of being part of God’s chosen people.
The Pattern of Human Failure
Abraham and Sarah’s story is marked by moments of distrust and self-reliance, leading to poor decisions. Their failure to trust God’s promise results in taking matters into their own hands, a recurring theme that echoes our own tendency to define good and evil for ourselves.
The Covenant with Abraham: A New Beginning
Despite Abraham and Sarah’s failures, God reaffirms His covenant with them, changing Abram’s name to Abraham and promising that he will be the father of many nations. This covenant is everlasting, demonstrating God’s commitment to His people.
The Significance of Circumcision
Circumcision is introduced as a sign of the covenant, a reminder of the value of personhood, and a call to trust in God’s ways. It serves as a physical symbol of the spiritual commitment to follow God’s path.
The Promise of a Miracle Child
God promises Abraham a miracle child, Isaac, despite the seeming impossibility due to Sarah’s age. This foreshadows the ultimate miracle child, Jesus, who would come to fulfill God’s plan of salvation for all humanity.
You Are a Miracle Child
As followers of Jesus, we are considered miracle children, born again into a new life with God. This miraculous spiritual birth is a testament to God’s power and grace in our lives.
Conclusion: Embracing Our Miracle Identity
This week, let us embrace the reality that we are miracle children of God. Despite our failures, God’s faithfulness remains steadfast. As we reflect on this truth, consider these questions:
- How can I live out my identity as a miracle child of God this week?
- In what areas of my life do I need to trust God’s faithfulness more deeply?
- How can I be a blessing to my neighbors and community, reflecting God’s love and covenant?
Challenge yourself to trust in God’s promises and to live as a testament to His faithfulness. Remember, you are a miracle child, destined for eternal life through Jesus Christ. Let this truth transform how you live and interact with the world around you.
This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
Testimonials
“Steve and his team at Keys Vineyard Church have built a church that has done an inspiring job reaching their community. Steve is a treasure trove of experience and has continued to prioritize learning and growth throughout his more than 30 years of ministry in a way few pastors have. You’ll get a lot out of connecting with him!”
“I watched first hand as Steve experienced the devastation of hurricane Irma in his town of Big Pine Key, Florida. The town was destroyed, the church building rendered unusable and the staff impacted personally. I watched a leader rise to the need of his community and minister in a situation that not very many could. He has a powerful voice of experience and wisdom earned the hard way.”
“Steve Lawes is a valuable coach/ mentor. I’ve watched Steve over the last thirty years build a substantial outward focused church with disciples who do what Jesus did. He has inspired leaders of churches with simple/tested ideas to develop leaders and grow churches.
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“Steve Lawes is an outstanding coach. He is authentic, creative, and personable. He has more cutting edge ideas than any pastor I know in regard to evangelism and meeting the needs of people in his community.”
Interested in Becoming a Church Consultant?
We are pleased to be partnering with the Jesus Moment Bible Institute and Seminary to be able to offer Free Church Consulting Training. Even if you are not looking to become a certified church consultant, the free church consultant training will be beneficial for your personal ministry.
One of the greatest questions Jesus asked was “Do You Want to Get Well?”
I t would seem that the answer was obvious. But getting well for the man who had been not well for a very long time meant that he would have to do something different. It is not easy to change, but it always starts with a first step.
Take that first step now by sceduling your no obligation, free thirty (30) minute Zoom meeting with us today. You have nothing to lose and it may be your first step to a new and healthy way of doing and being the church.
Don’t Wait Any Longer. Take The First Step Toward Getting Well Today!
